Anesthesia

Description of Procedure

The procedure will be done under a surgical microscope. The damaged part of the cornea will be cut out. The new cornea will then be placed in the opening. The new cornea will be fastened with very fine stitches. Finally, a patch and shield will be put over the eye.

There is another technique called Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). DSEK is used for some types of cornea transplants. It may result in shorter recovery time and better vision. With this technique, the doctor removes a much smaller part of the cornea, compared with older procedures.

How Long Will It Take?

1-2 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

You will most likely go home after a few hours in the recovery area.

Post-procedure Care

At Home

Recovery at home includes pain management and avoiding certain activities until the eye heals. Other recovery steps may include:

Using eye drops

Wearing glasses during the day or a shield at night

Not rubbing the eye

Protecting the eye from accidental bumps or pokes

Avoiding contact sports

Vision may initially be worse than before your surgery before your eye adjusts to the new cornea. It may take several months for it to improve. Stitches are usually left in place for several months. Regular follow-up visits will allow the doctor to monitor how the eye is healing.

Call Your Doctor

It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Facts about the cornea and corneal disease. The National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health website. Available at:
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cornealdisease/index.asp. Updated May 2013. Accessed June 27, 2013.